Memento de Mori: Haye Murders Aussie

“This is where I belong. I need to live here. It's been a rough road, but I'm back.” (Getty)

“I am going to make a serious run at this division. The titles are all over the place. It will take someone like me to clean it up…”

Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England, former heavyweight champion David Haye returned to active duty after a three and a half year hiatus to knock out Mark de Mori at 2:11 of the first round.

From the opening bell, Haye commanded center ring. Using speed, power, and athleticism, Haye dominated “The Dominator.” His jab rattled the Australian every time it landed. It was one-way traffic. Haye never gave an inch. Landing body shots and 1-2 combinations, Haye’s haymakers landed at will. Despite looking like a man mountain, de Mori was turned to rubble. After breaking him down, Haye landed a massive overhand right. De Mori slumped to the canvas. He was unconscious before he hit the deck.

In his post-fight interview, Haye was lavish in his praise.

“This is where I belong,” he said. “I need to live here. It’s been a tough rough road, but I’m finally back. I felt so cool and calm in there. I had no nerves whatsoever.”

Does the one-time WBA heavyweight champion of the world deserve a quick fire route to the big fights after tonight’s exhibition? Certainly not. But with the heavyweight division lacking in an abundance of talent, I’m sure he will be mixing with the cream of the crop in the not too distant future—injury preventing of course.

Haye staked his claim for the chance to mix it with the best in the heavyweight division. He had some kind words for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, before calling out the two most talented heavyweights in Great Britain.

“I think Tyson Fury is a good fighter, very good,” said Haye. “It’s a shame he doesn’t want to fight me. I think we all know why when he sees punch power like that.”

Haye continued, “I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible, keep testing myself and work up the rankings to get a title fight. I want to unify the heavyweight division. I set my plan out to do that and fell short. I am going to make a serious run at this division. The titles are all over the place. It will take someone like me to clean it up.”

Now that we know what David Haye intends, what’s next for Mark de Mori? The fight was a disastrous mismatch, despite de Mori’s WBA ranking. The man from Down Under lacked heart and a desire to win. Almost every punch he threw lacked conviction. There was no apparent game plan. He was flat-footed. There was zero head movement. After the knockdown, de Mori lay on canvas for five minutes. He looked like he was in trouble. He eventually got to his feet and was assisted to his corner while wearing an oxygen mask. For any de Mori fans out there, I believe you may have witnessed de Mori’s final “performance” in the ring.